With the warmer weather and slower pace of summer, there’s no better time than now to take a short trip that can feel deliciously longer and provide a welcome break from the city (or your usual routine). So why not take advantage of these few blissful months and be prepared to scoot out of town at a moment’s notice? It’s time to pack in your summer getaways. The trick is to know what to pack and be able to do it as effortlessly as possible.

Wardrobe guidance:  When thinking about what clothes to bring, the goal is fewer items that can be mixed and matched.  Pack everything around a color theme.  If you are leaving Thursday night returning on Monday (3 glorious days!), pick 1 neutral and 2 complimentary colors that work back to your neutral (and each other).  Also, make sure that either all the tops or all the bottoms are in solid colors, so you’re not matching an animal print top with a floral print bottom.

Consider taking two more tops than the number of days you are staying.  So with our Thursday to Monday scenario, that would mean five tops.  At this time of year, you might think about three to four T-shirts or blouses, one long-sleeved shirt, and a cardigan or sweater. This combination will allow you to layer your tops depending on the weather (or air conditioning).

You’ll also want to make sure that one of the tops is long enough to double as a bathing suit cover up.  And yes, do bring a bathing suit even if you don’t think you’ll go into the water. (This gives you permission to change your mind!)  That said, only pack your gym clothes only if you r-e-a-l-l-y think you’ll exercise.

To lighten your suitcase, wear your favorite pair of jeans in transit.  Don’t forget to pack two more bottoms or one more bottom and a dress.  A jersey wrap dress is a good travel companion, as it won’t wrinkle easily and can be worn day or night.  If you are a fan of dresses, by all means add more of these to your travel bag, but take away some of the separates.

Shoes and other accoutrements:  Fashion is important, but so is comfort.  Pack a shoe that you can walk in, plus another pair of comfortable, all-purpose shoes (like flats or strappy sandals) that can go from day to night.  A flip flop provides a great option for the pool or beach and is easy to slip on for a quick coffee run or impromptu pedicure.  I hate to be a killjoy, but for a long weekend no more than three footwear options are necessary.  (This includes the pair you traveled in.)

As always, accessories are key.  Try on your outfits in advance of your trip and see what accessories will be the most versatile with all your clothing.  And, don’t forget one or two options (i.e. a dangling earring or sparkly necklace) that say ‘evening.’  In addition to a larger bag or tote, an evening clutch is also a smart addition.   If heading to the beach or pool, don’t forget your sun glasses, sun protection and a good read!

Life’s little necessities:  Most lodging establishments have shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, so only bring the toiletries that you cannot live without.  If your favorite product does not come travel-sized, transfer a small amount into an empty travel-size, leak-proof container.

Don’t forget your smart phone (how did we ever live without them?) and charger, but consider leaving your laptop behind.  (What a concept!)  Don’t forget to snap a few photos to capture – and enjoy – your memories when you return.

To ensure a stress-fee exit, it’s helpful to have a getaway checklist that you can refer to each time you go away.  The items you take may change depending on where you are going, but at least you will be reminded of everything you might need and will be less likely to forget something.  When you return home, note what you used.  If something wasn’t used or needed, consider removing it for next time.

My best travel packing advice:   Get going before summer’s gone!